Dead Daisies Recruit Kelly Hansen for 2027 Tour & New Era

The Dead Daisies have announced a major lineup change and an ambitious 2027 tour, welcoming Kelly Hansen—formerly of Foreigner—as their new lead singer. The rock supergroup, known for its revolving door of legendary vocalists, will hit the road in March 2027 for a European leg, followed by a US tour in April and May. A new single, Lift Me Up, offers a preview of the band’s evolving sound under Hansen’s powerful vocals.

Hansen joins the band after a 20-year stint with Foreigner, where he became one of rock’s most recognizable voices. His departure from the band in 2025 left fans curious about his next move, and this collaboration with The Dead Daisies answers that question with a bold new chapter. The current lineup also includes guitarists Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake, Dio) and David Lowy, drummer Tommy Clufetos (Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath), and bassist Jimi Crutchley, ensuring a seasoned roster of musicians behind Hansen’s dynamic stage presence.

A New Sound and a Fresh Start

The band’s latest single, Lift Me Up, is a riff-driven anthem that showcases Hansen’s vocal range and the group’s signature hard-rock energy. Doug Aldrich described the track as starting with a "dead simple guitar riff and heavy groove," evolving into a melodic and uplifting song that reflects the band’s optimism. The single serves as a teaser for an upcoming album, which the band is currently recording. Aldrich, who previously played with Hansen in Hurricane during the late '80s and early '90s, expressed excitement about reuniting onstage, praising Hansen’s "exceptional vocal range" and frontman charisma.

Hansen himself shared his enthusiasm for the new project, stating, "This gives me the opportunity to stretch out with some new melodies, a new vibe, and fresh energy. We’re gonna rock it!" His arrival marks a return to the stage after his emotional final performance with Foreigner in October 2025, and fans can expect a blend of classic rock influences with The Dead Daisies’ signature sound.

Tour Dates and What to Expect

The 2027 tour kicks off in Europe, with stops in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, France, Switzerland, Italy, the Czech Republic, and beyond. The US leg follows in April and May, with shows across Pennsylvania, Virginia, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, and California. Support acts include BulletBoys and The Fell (featuring Billy Sheehan) for the US dates, while The Quireboys and The Gems will join the band in Europe.

Here’s a snapshot of the tour itinerary:

Europe & UK (March 2027) - March 4: Bochum, Germany (Zeche) - March 5: Eindhoven, Netherlands (De Effenaar) - March 6: Hamburg, Germany (Gruenspan) - March 9: London, UK (O2 Forum) - March 10: Nottingham, UK (Rock City) - March 13: Paris, France (Élysée Montmartre) - March 14: Pratteln, Switzerland (Z7) - March 16: Milan, Italy (Magazzini Generali) - March 17: Munich, Germany (Backstage) - March 19: Prague, Czech Republic (Palac Akropolis) - March 20: Berlin, Germany (Columbia Theater) - March 21: Frankfurt, Germany (Batschkapp)

US (April–May 2027) - April 30: Lititz, PA (Mickey’s Black Box) - May 1: Leesburg, VA (Tally Ho Theatre) - May 2: TBA - May 4: Edwardsville, IL (Wildey Theatre) - May 6: St. Charles, IL (Arcada Theater) - May 7: Mount Clemens, MI (Emerald Theatre) - May 8: Lorain, OH (Lorain Palace Theatre) - May 11: Denver, CO (Oriental Theater) - May 13: Tempe, AZ (Marquee Theatre) - May 14: Las Vegas, NV (Fremont Country Club) - May 15: Los Angeles, CA (TBA)

Tickets for the European tour are already on sale, with US dates to follow soon. Fans can expect a high-energy performance blending The Dead Daisies’ catalog with Hansen’s rock pedigree, making this a must-see event for classic rock enthusiasts.

Why This Matters

The Dead Daisies have built a reputation as a supergroup with a rotating lineup of rock legends, and Hansen’s addition continues that tradition. For fans of Foreigner, this is a chance to see one of rock’s most iconic voices in a new context, while The Dead Daisies’ loyal following will appreciate the fresh energy he brings. With a new album in the works and a tour spanning two continents, 2027 promises to be a landmark year for the band and its fans.